What is it about Azteca Stadium that brings out the best in Argentines?
At the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona scored the greatest goal in the history of the sport at the fabled Mexico City stadium, his famous “Goal of the Century” coming mere minutes after netting his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarterfinals.
No, I’m not comparing Ignacio Piatti’s 16-minute strike against Club America on Wednesday night at Azteca in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final to Maradona’s slalom through the English team.
But Piatti’s goal did stun the rabid crowd jammed inside the Azetca, and you can bet those fans are never going to forget the Argentine’s strike years from now if Montreal goes on to win this two-legged final after earning a 1-1 draw in the opener.
Here are my three thoughts on the match.
Montreal’s perfect start
Impact coach Frank Klopas’ game management in the first half was nearly flawless, setting up his team to effectively soak up the pressure from Club America by having central midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker and Calum Mallace act as defensive shield in front of the back four.
By playing Dominic Oduro up front leading the attack, as opposed to on the wing, Montreal was able to keep America honest by making use of the Ghanaian speedster as a vital outlet in transition and on the counter attack.
Piatti’s goal in the 16th minute was beautifully crafted. Belgian defender Laurent Ciman changed the point of attack by playing a gorgeous cross-field ball for Hassoun Camara who chested it down and fed it to Oduro. The Ghanaian played a ball across the box and Dilly Duka expertly dummied it, dragging experienced Club America defender Pablo Aguilar out of position. That opened up space for Piatti who struck the ball cleanly just inside the post.
Instead of invigorating or waking up the Mexicans, Piatti’s goal rattled them. Their play became more hurried, and the Impact were very comfortable in containing their opponents, and never looked like they were going to concede in the opening 45 minutes. Montreal reached the halftime break with a 1-0 goal lead, and it was full value for it.
Good luck, bad luck for Montreal
When Piatti’s strike stunned the crowd into silence, you had the feeling Club America would quickly level the score. But they didn’t, thanks in large part to two key moments of luck.
In the 22nd minute, Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush did very well to read the play developing in front of him and came up with a massive diving stop on Darwin Quintero. The Club America midfielder’s long-range shot was destined for the upper corner, but Bush robbed him.
Then minutes later, Darwin Quintero played a lovely through ball for Michael Arroyo who slotted it home. But Ciman stepped up just as Quintero released his pass, putting Arroyo offside. It was impeccable timing by Ciman to spring the offside trap, but considering how poor CONCACAF officials are and their reputation of screwing over MLS clubs in Mexico, the Belgian was very fortunate to get the call, even if it was correct.
Montreal’s luck ran out just before halftime when midfielder Osvaldo Martinez tugged on the shirt and brought down Oduro from behind. Martinez was the last man back and he stopped a clear scoring chance. Martinez should have been issued a red card and Club America should have played the entire second half a man down. Instead, referee Hector Rodriguez only brandished a yellow, letting the hosts off the hook.
Of course, Montreal rode its luck for the majority of the second half as Club America swarmed and finally scored late in regulation, but not before squandering a number of scoring chances after the re-start.
Outstanding Ciman
How Toronto FC could do with a defender the calibre of Laurent Ciman right about now.
The Belgian was immense for the Impact, effectively quarterbacking a defence in a high-pressure situation at Azteca—where Club America hammered its opponent 6-0 in its previous CONCACAF outing—and allowing his side to come within minutes from earning a historic victory.
Ciman kept the back line well-organized, and he made a number of timely tackles and key interceptions, snuffing out the danger before it fully developed—a sign of his skill in being able to read the game in front of him.
Ciman is very comfortable on the ball and can carry it out and build from the back, like he did on Piatti’s goal—it was his initial cross to Camara that began the scoring sequence.
Montreal has a real find on their hands in the Belgian, and at 29 years of age he has the potential to be the backbone of this Impact side for a long time.